In Defense of the Nation
About In Defense of the Nation
A declaration of war turns two friendly neighboring states into enemies. Elsa von Wimpfen and Lieutenant Alexis von Kirkhowen are on opposite sides. They break the engagement and promise to stay faithful before he leaves to fight for the other army. Her father, General von Wimpfen, and her brother Erich go to the front, knowing they may meet Alexis there. Alexis is pulled between his country and Elsa’s family. The Danish Film Institute’s English summary says the heroes of both sides are rewarded at the end.
Cast & crew
More about In Defense of the Nation
August Blom directed Fritz Magnussen’s script. Johan Ankerstjerne photographed it. Nordisk negative number 1258 runs 1,358 meters. Fotorama distributed the Danish release, which opened at the Victoria-Teatret in Copenhagen. A Barcelona opening is listed for April 5, 1915.
Themes
Background
The Danish opening was February 21, 1916, during the First World War. Spain had already seen it in Barcelona on April 5, 1915.
Making
Nordisk made the picture while Denmark stayed out of the war, and set the story in two unnamed armies rather than in a named country.
Look
Johan Ankerstjerne photographed the film.
Music
Silent.
Preservation
A copy is on Wikimedia Commons as Pro patria (1915).webm.
Notes
- Carl Lauritzen plays General von Wimpfen. Valdemar Psilander plays his son, Lieutenant Erich. Alma Hinding plays Elsa. Gunnar Sommerfeldt plays Alexis von Kirkhowen. Aage Hertel plays Lieutenant Rudolph Swaiz.
- The Danish title is Pro Patria. Other titles include Der Retter des Vaterlandes, Pour la patrie, and Por la patria.
- The Commons copy is filed as Pro patria (1915), the year of the Barcelona date.
Scenes
- Elsa and Alexis break the engagement and promise to stay faithful.
- General von Wimpfen and Erich leave for a front where Alexis may be waiting.
Also available
- Wikimedia Commons (Pro patria (1915).webm)
